Superpowers or Differences? A New Take on Neurodiversity [Parenting Neurodivergence Series]

Our brains are as unique as our fingerprints, yet society often expects us all to think, learn, and behave in uniform ways. We're told to sit still, focus on demand, and visualize on cue. But what if these expectations are built on flawed assumptions about how our minds work?
This week on the podcast, we explore the fascinating spectrum of mental imagery, from aphantasia (the inability to visualize) to hyperphantasia (vivid, movie-like imagination). This reveals just how diverse our cognitive experiences can be. You'll discover how some people can't conjure a simple mental image, while others experience rich, multi-sensory internal worlds.
But this variation in how we process and experience information extends far beyond visualization. It affects how we learn, communicate, and interact with the world around us. We'll dive into real-life examples and cutting-edge research that challenge our assumptions about “normal” brain function.
Understanding these differences is crucial, not just for personal insight, but for reconsidering how we approach education, workplace expectations, and even mental health diagnoses. By embracing the full spectrum of cognitive diversity, we can create more inclusive, effective strategies in therapy, education, and daily life.
Listen in as we challenge our assumptions and celebrate the unique ways each mind works. Whether you're an educator, mental health professional, or simply curious about the intricacies of the human mind, this week’s episode will transform how you view cognitive diversity.
The Zero Disturbance podcast is for educational purposes and is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or individualized mental health or medical care.
Mentioned in This Episode:
University of Exeter: The Eye’s Mind: blogs.exeter.a...
Parenting Neurodivergence Resource Bundle: Get on the waitlist: www.zerodistur...
Come learn with us at Zero Disturbance:
Want to learn more about empowering yourself to experience therapy or coaching on your terms? If you appreciated this episode, you wont want to miss out on The Client Workbook + supporting videos! www.zerodistur...
We also offer free resources for clients and therapists! Get access to our free client resource library for the most up-to-date tools and resources for your own journey.
Therapists, access our favorite free resources for designing high-value offers in The Zero Disturbance Welcome Bundle,
www.zerodistur...
With a Masters in Education from Vanderbilt, Kambria has been creating trainings and teaching adult learners for over 20 years. As the Director of Education and Quality Improvement at Stanford Medical School, she created ease in complex systems, thereby giving medical trainees successful learning experiences. Now, as a dedicated mom, therapist, and EMDR Consultant, Kambria knows what it means to do things efficiently, effectively, and in a learner-centered way. When she isn't podcasting or creating online courses, you can find Kambria playing with her twins on a beach in California.
#adhdparenting
#parentingchallenges
#autismstory
#neurodiversity

[@KambriaEvansEMDR]

Want access to resources and tools that allow you to support your children? Get on the waiting list today! www.zerodisturbance.com/parenting-ND-opt-in-page

[@kanguruster]

A lovely discussion of the value of neurodivergence. I had excellent teachers; kind, compassionate and engaged. They never said "stop doing that" instead they'd say "must try harder." I could be wrong, but I think that's worse; no guidance on what to do or not do, instead, whatever I'd do wasn't good enough. However, I was hyperfixated on computers, way ahead of all the other students and teachers. I could absorb information on computers like a sponge and make use of it in useful and novel ways. It would have been so uplifting for someone to tell me that was my superpower! Ms Evans, you have a compelling vision for the future! I hope your future does without the DSM and moves to a more adaptable model.

[@KambriaEvansEMDR]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's a good reminder that words matter. And thank you for tuning in!

[@dianamurray931]

Thank you. As someone who recently discovered they have aphantasia it is nice to be seen. As a mental health professional, EMDR trained, it was surprising to me, as well, that I hadn't heard of this. I thought I was dumb. Aphantasia interferes with so many typical things like learning, navigation, sequencing, memories (lack thereof), and most assuredly, visualization. Neurodivergence is all around us, it is important to remember that we are all different, just like we teach children when they are young, and different is BEAUTIFUL.

[@KambriaEvansEMDR]

Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate your vulnerability.

[@JoyD655]

Your video is really helpful and lovely, many people have make it a negative thing for me, I am full with negativity thought in my head, please can you do a video on how to use it as superpower?

[@KambriaEvansEMDR]

I'm so sorry you're experiencing that. I'll add your suggestion to my list of topic ideas!